Project RAISE
(Raise for Agriculture Industries, Shows and Education)
An initiative to expand the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education
Goal: $4 million
Objective: To provide a 40,000 sq. ft. addition to the east side of the Pavilion increasing capacity to meet the needs of the Michigan agricultural community.
PROPOSED EXPANSION
Though the main arena is a spacious 114’ x 214’, the Pavilion has outgrown its capacity, limiting not only the number of events, but also the quality, size and scope of events showcasing Michigan agriculture and supporting the local economy.
The proposed Pavilion expansion will provide a second indoor arena allowing concurrent events, increased animal housing and exhibit space, and an indoor area for warming up animals prior to events in the main arena. Whether too hot, too cold, or too wet, optimal use of the current outdoor arena has been contingent upon the weather.
PROJECT RAISE
MSU Pavilion Expansion
The MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education is a venue for MSU and community agricultural events. The proposed pavilion expansion project will provide a second indoor arena increasing its capacity by allowing concurrent events, increased animal housing and exhibit space.
MSU PAVILION
MSU Pavilion History
The MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education has been a cornerstone at MSU since 1938. The current MSU Pavilion opened in December of 1996 and typically accommodates over 96 events per year, with numerous livestock events each year including the Michigan Livestock Exhibition.
MSU PAVILION
MSU Pavilion Slideshow
The MSU Pavilion hosts many equine events and commercial events such as the RV Show, and the Annual Home and Garden Show – events that draw people from all over the state of Michigan and beyond. It is also the venue for major MSU events such as the Spartan Stampede Rodeo and AutumnFest, numerous instructional activities, and programs targeted to youth in our state (4-H and FFA events).
IMPACT
In addition to the unquantifiable recreational and educational value of the numerous events held to both exhibitors and spectators, the Pavilion also has a significant impact on the local economy spanning well beyond dollars spent at the facility.
Conservative estimates indicate over 92,000 people are drawn to the facility each year. Cumulative economic impact since the facility opened in 1996 is estimated at over $161 million. The proposed Pavilion expansion will greatly increase number and size of shows and events possible and directly increase economic impact of this major venue showcasing Michigan agriculture to over $7.2 million annually to the local economy.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Completing this project will take the support of our agriculture community, individuals and groups who treasure the life experiences provided through events held at the MSU Pavilion.
DONOR RECOGNITION
Support to date, including pledges and gifts, for the project total $1 million.
Whether through large donations or smaller gifts from individuals or families that appreciate impact of this valuable resource, this project will have a lasting legacy in our great state of Michigan.
We thank the following individuals and organizations for their pledges and gifts at the following levels:
Top Level ($500,000)
- Greenstone Farm Credit Services
Ring of Honor Level ($100,000)
- Clemens Food Group
- Michigan Farm Bureau Family of Companies
- Michigan Livestock Exposition
- MSU Rodeo Club
Pillar Level ($50,000)
- Michigan Horse Council
Champions Level ($25,000)
- Smith Family
Cornerstone ($10,000)
- Terry Saxton
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Naming opportunities for pavilion addition and it’s components (e.g. show office, meeting rooms) are potentially available for interested donors.
For more information
George Smith
Director of AgBioResearch, Senior Associate Dean for Research
smithge7@msu.edu
517-355-0123